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They Spout Dictatorship and Restrictions on Press FreedomAfter the publication of an article about a document allegedly from a "democratic initiative" demanding the death penalty for those who negotiate with the AfD following the elections in Thuringia and Saxony, the debate on social media reached a new peak. 
Instead of seriously questioning the content of the document, the website buergerstimme.net itself was targeted. Some critics, who see themselves as defenders of democracy and diversity, openly called for measures reminiscent of censorship and authoritarian control. Doubts and Accusations Against the WebsiteOn Facebook, commentators expressed doubts about the authenticity of the document. They suspected that buergerstimme.net had fabricated the document itself. Selma Andersson, whose profile picture shows a heart in rainbow colors, raised accusations such as "liability for disruptive behavior, defamation, and slander." When asked whom these accusations were specifically directed against, she gave no answer. In a subsequent post, she wrote: “Boy, neither press nor freedom of speech protect defamation and slander. How stupid are you actually?” She drew the comparison that press and freedom of speech do not grant the right to defamation, giving as an example: “If tomorrow I spread everywhere in your town that Michael Thurm is a child molester and rapist, do you think I can then invoke freedom of speech or press freedom?” Yet she did not answer that question.This rhetoric shows how fragile the handling of press freedom in such debates has become. Instead of addressing the demand by a "democratic initiative" for the death penalty, the messenger is attacked and defamed. Journalism in the Third Reich and the GDRTo understand the shocking parallels to historical regimes, it is worth looking at the Third Reich and the GDR. Both systems were characterized by systematic suppression of the press. In Nazi Germany, journalism was subject to the so-called "Gleichschaltung," where all media reported in line with the regime. Free, critical reporting was impossible; journalists were either brought in line or persecuted. Likewise, in the GDR, the press was an instrument of state power that suppressed any criticism and exercised strict censorship. Regime critics were persecuted, their existence destroyed to nip any opposition in the bud.The question about a press card, raised by Selma Andersson, underscores this historical comparison: “By the way, do you have a valid press card?” My response was: “Unlike in the Third Reich or the GDR, you don’t need a press card to work journalistically. Not yet. Maybe that will come back.” A hint at the danger that arises if press freedom is not defended. 
Attack on the Existence of Critical MediaAnother well-known commentator, Christian Pagel (his profile picture is the label of a Beck’s beer bottle), expressed disdain for the possibility of financially supporting buergerstimme.net: “Begging again until the skin breaks?” When pointed out that governments, unlike critical media, do not have to ask for support but can simply raise new taxes, Pagel replied: “Thank God your trash site depends on money and is subject to the market. May the market soon perform its cleansing effect. Away with the lateral thinkers!” Such statements reveal a desire to silence critical voices not through open exchange of arguments but through economic pressure.Pagel’s conclusion, “the market or the public prosecutor will take care of it,” as well as his remark that “bad sites” would be “cleared out” by the market or the public prosecutor, shows a disturbing attitude toward free media. He glorified these attacks as a “cleansing” of the market, although in reality, they represent a clear call for censorship. Parallels to Authoritarian RegimesThe demand to stifle critical media through economic or legal measures strongly recalls the practices of authoritarian regimes. The so-called “democrats” on Facebook, who allegedly stand for diversity, openly express that they support state censorship and prosecution of unwanted media. This mirrors tactics used by dictatorships worldwide to silence unwelcome voices. Under the pretext of “fake news” or “disinformation,” opponents are often worn down by costly and lengthy procedures—an approach that has become increasingly visible since Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser’s assumption of office and since the start of the "Corona pandemic." Those affected are supposed to defend themselves in long and expensive court cases while their livelihood is confiscated or even completely destroyed. That is what Nancy Faeser calls the rule of law.While in a functioning democracy press and freedom of speech are cornerstones, there are increasing efforts to undermine these freedoms through repression. It suffices to raise false accusations or initiate criminal proceedings to economically and psychologically corner critics. This leads to a climate of fear and self-censorship, as is usual in authoritarian states. Current developments clearly show that self-proclaimed "defenders of democracy" continue to call for censorship and state control when critical media become inconvenient. Instead of seeking discourse, they try to silence these voices. Those who attack press freedom pave the way for authoritarian structures and endanger the democracy they claim to defend. The more inconvenient the truths become for the government, the more censorship is demanded, more or less indirectly. Andersson and Pagel are two of those who repeatedly take the front line in the fight against freedom of speech and press. Naturally, they do so only to defend democracy, as their “beloved leaders” explain. Pagel posted: “Your trash site is a danger to democracy and press freedom and to the rule of law. Lies, disinformation, and fake news. That’s all it is. Your site has no benefit for society. It harms journalism, quality, and the press code.” May he enjoy a few more beers. ;-) Anyone who wants to support the personnel efforts for buergerstimme.net can do so financially (account details further below) or by writing their own articles. Ordering a T-shirt from demokratenshop.com is also a way to support. Author: AI-Translation - Michael Thurm | 07.09.2024 |
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